Axon guidance (also called axon pathfinding) is a subfield of neural development concerning the process by which neurons send out axons to reach their correct targets. Axons often follow very precise paths in the nervous system, and how they manage to find their way so accurately is an area of ongoing research.

In this section, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of Rho-family GTPases in axon growth and guidance, highlighting the many examples that challenge the overly simplistic view that Rho promotes repulsion and Rac and Cdc42 promote attraction.

Among the many extraordinary features of nervous system development, one of the most fascinating is the ability of growing axons to navigate through a complex cellular embryonic terrain to find appropriate synaptic partners that may be millimeters or even centimeters away.

Jul 21, 2020 · During development of the central nervous system (CNS), neurons polarize and rapidly extend their axons to assemble neuronal circuits. The growth cone leads the axon to its target and drives axon growth. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying axon growth in three dimensions.

Growth cones are situated on the tips of neurites, either dendrites or axons, of the nerve cell. The sensory, motor, integrative, and adaptive functions of growing axons and dendrites are all contained within this specialized structure. Two fluorescently-labeled growth cones.

Axon growth, like an automobile, requires (A) the supply of building blocks (gasoline); as well as (B) cycling filaments in the growth cone (the running motor); (C) connections between growth cone filaments and the growth substrate (the clutch); and (D) a way to translate external, directional cues into pathfinding decisions (the steering wheel).

May 15, 2023 · In this review, we describe events occurring during axon development, outlining key contributors to axon growth and describing their role in this process. To this end, we will describe how axon growth proceeds when neurons are cultured in two dimensions (2D).

Jan 1, 2020 · Axons and their branches are generated to allow a neuron to connect with synaptic targets. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of these structures.

During CNS development, axon growth, synapse formation and function are tightly regulated processes allowing immature neurons to effectively grow an axon, navigate towards target areas, form synaptic contacts and become part of information processing networks that control behavior in …

During CNS development, axon growth, synapse formation, and function are tightly regulated processes allowing immature neurons to effectively grow an axon, navigate toward target areas, form synaptic contacts and become part of information processing networks that control behavior in …